Get Those Little Four-Bangers Outta Here!

My young apprentice Tom, the FNG, is into all that new stuff. He looks at me with a puzzled look sometimes when something old and great comes along.
Today was one of those days.

Last year we pulled a SBC 350 out or our 1971 Nova. The motor was a piece of crap. Worn out and limping along. In 1971 GM mandated that all the engines from that point forward be built with lower compression to run the new unleaded gasoline. They had those large combustion chamber heads, deep dished pistons and didn’t really have a chance of making real horsepower.

We took that motor apart and started getting parts to give it a new start. A life much better than when it was originally born. We got an Edelbrock Total Power Package that has better compression heads, roller lifters and a cam that supports those liters. Included was an RPM air gap intake manifold and four barrel carb.

The bottom end is an Eagle rotating assembly kit with eagle crank and rods. We added total seal rings to the deal and some other goodies like the Cloyes hex a just timing gears and timing cover.

We sent the Block and parts to JBA in San Diego for machining and assembly.

It just came back today. Most of us here stared in amazement at this Phoenix that rose from the ashes. Tom and his front wheel drive loving friends looked at this marvel like it was an enemy of the environment.

The damn thing is going to produce almost three times the horsepower that it originally had new. How can you not appreciate that?

I guess there are some guys that would prefer to light up the front tires as they get into the gas while the monster 4 cylinder motors scream like a singer sewing machine stitching a straight hem.

Not me. Check this motor out. It’s now a 383 stroker and it eats imports for a snack. The plan is to put it in a 1966 Chevelle and go hunting wild mustangs.

About the author

Bobby Kimbrough

Bobby grew up in the heart of Illinois, becoming an avid dirt track race fan which has developed into a life long passion. Taking a break from the Midwest dirt tracks to fight evil doers in the world, he completed a full 21 year career in the Marine Corps.